AnnoyingPentium

Dusty as anything, but it's winter and I'm not cleaning it because I'm already cold. Photo taken by the co-pilot, even if she was nearly sitting on me to get it

Following with interest. I do love a PD.

I think I've got a spare mirror cover somewhere, driver's side, in beige IIRC, but it'd do to keep you mobile. I'll have a look for it and report back, came off an 05 plate car IIRC, but it's all one anyway. Located in Ayrshire but could post up north. Ryan

Glad to hear you're getting back into it as well. Good to see you posting too, hope you're well.

Jesus, has it been that long?! Anyway, returned to swimming since then, then stopped again. Tonight was my first night back, and I've signed up for the monthly pass. I've decided to go on Monday evenings and a Wednesday morning/evening (dependent on working hours). They offer a lot of different time slots, thankfully. Missed the swimming, so it's nice to be getting back in the way of it.

I've had my BME coded Fabia exhibit these symptoms with both a duff throttle pedal (electronic, it's one unit) and a failing MAP sensor (there's no MAF on these). It's all parts darts really. What "diagnostic tool" did you use? Ideally this wants checked with VAG-COM/VCDS.

The Fabia is a bit broken right now so I can't do any sort of photography like this with it at the moment, but I've got this.

I'd just go for something mid-range like Falkens or something. In my experience they've been pretty decent, especially for the price. It doesn't require hours of research either. Up to you though.

Mate of mine had a Chinese-flavoured Volvo 850 TDI (the VW engined kind). Got the oil from the local takeaway for 30p.

A bargain, I reckon I could have been in with a shout (of the deposit for a mortgage to buy it)...

Lovely motor there, Gaz. One just like it kicking about my way. Think I have a photograph of it somewhere.

I achieved a similar look with my Fabia when the regulator went and the glass descended into the depths of Hell.

I may be able to source you some halogen headlight units if the breakers yard near me still has two Fabias in, may need polishing, but otherwise all good last time I checked. Would be worth trying to sort yours out first.

Just enough of a difference to cause many an issue with incorrect parts.

Seems excessive to pull it all apart, but I'll page in @Breezy_Pete as he may have more experience - given he swapped a 1.2 once.

As above, best leaving her with what she's got, but a front engined move "forwards" could be something like a Mk2/3 Astra? Bit more modern (ish), has some tech etc, but not one of these cars that's like the control panel for a spaceship inside. Again, though, as you know, if it ain't broke...

I can't speak for others either, but I'm in a position where I'd organise something, but life gets in the way, not to mention the cost of living cairry oan we find ourselves in. Be the change you want to see, and so on.

Oh aye, don't get me wrong. I quite like Clarkson and his books, but this is somewhere, where I don't agree with him. Although, I can't defend the Vectra C, I didn't like it either.

Aaaaaaaand it's back. £131 later for a track rod and tracking. Now goes in a straight line, bonus. Thank **** for that.

This, is my 1999 Vauxhall Vectra 1.8 16v Arctic Special Edition (try saying that three times as fast) that I bought three weeks ago. It's very much a low mileage car, having just shy of 27,000 miles when I picked it up. Unlike my Fabia, I've no intention with deviating from the original spec, bar some period additions such as a Garfield on one of the windows and suchlike. This thread will probably document me getting small details for it, and just keeping it looking and running mint (which, believe me, when it comes to a Vectra near salt water, is a task in itself). So, what's it like? It's actually rather good. It's smooth, and refined feeling, plus the multi-link rear suspension setup really does help with handling/road holding. It's a confident and sure footed drive. This, or the Skoda? Even the mental narrator has it in for me, ffs. Erm, actually, I can't pick between the two. The Fabia, despite lacking in power, is a very fun little car. Poised and cheeky. Plus it's less likely to dissolve if it rains heavily and doesn't shaft me financially at the fuel pumps. This Vectra, on the other hand, is quick, it's spacious, and it's actually comfier than the Fabia (although they do have about 220k miles on them, they're not original). So aye, maybe this is the ideal two car balance? Has it broke yet? Erm, it had been in limp home mode since I bought it, but only noticed when gunning it off a roundabout passing Durham at 1am and the limiter kicked in at 4500rpm. As of today, the cam sensor has been replaced, and it now has the lost power returned. It moves well for a nearly 25 year old (?!?!) car.

The Fabia is going for a track rod replacement tomorrow. Not nervous about that, but in case they find some more ****ed things due to my escapades with ditches and suchlike. My aim for the coming (February) MOT, is to have it pass first time. Clutching at straws a bit, as I've never had a first time pass with this one!

Why is it always after I buy a car that something else tasty comes up? Must. Resist. Temptation. (and the subsequent "why the f*** did you buy that" comment from the neighbours when we have YET ANOTHER car parked on the street) Good luck with the sale, though.

Ouch, quite the sore yin. Will catch up with you at some point

Well at least you're still alive... been meaning to pop you a text.

Looks to be the first time around! Aye, personalised plate and didn't even mean it! 😂